Job Hunting Tips

Prepare your bow and arrow for some hunting!

By Manolis Zografakis

Job hunting is not as fun as it sounds as it needs great effort, patience and too much free time. However, if you like to spend time in front of the laptop doing research and distributing CVs and cover letters it might be the best period of your life. So have a look below at these great Job hunting tips and prepare your bow and arrow for some hunting!

First things First! Visa and National Insurance Number

The first and most important thing you will need to do before applying for a job is to check your eligibility to work in the UK. You don’t want to end up in an awkward situation where you are offered your dream job but can’t take it because you’re not allowed to work! If you are a British or EU citizen you are eligible to work in the UK as long as you are able to provide your passport or ID.

National Insurance Number

However, if you do not have a British/EU country passport or Dual Citizenship you must get a work visa or permit before you arrive in the UK.

Wait you’re not done yet! Next you need a National Insurance Number. As soon as you step foot in your place of work, contact your local Job Centre Plus Office and apply for it! A date and time will be arranged where you must attend a brief interview. Find more info our guide to applying for a National Insurance Number.
Find everything you need to know about working in the UK through HMRC.

Employment Rights

This section may seem boring but it is important that you don’t find yourself working in a sweatshop like Oliver asking for more gruel! You need to know your rights and all about tax and benefits before you start applying for anything! Learn about contract terms and conditions, legal hours of work and the pay rate, thought the website Direct.gov.uk.

Do you have what it takes to run your own business?

Company Formations

Do you hate taking orders from someone else? Are you the bossy-boots that likes to be in control? Are you brave enough to start up your own business? If your answer is yes! then check out our guide to find everything you need to know about starting your own business in the UK.

Majorplayers is perfect for freelancers starting out! Visit the website and under subcategories in the menu on the left you will find useful topics (overview, freelance tips, limited company contract, Major payment guidelines, Major Players timesheet, p46 form, terms of engagement and PAYE day rates).

Useful Links

Tax Calculator: Nobody likes to work out their tax, so this useful tax calculator that does it all for you!

Salary Checker: This provides you information on the salary you should be raking in depending on your job, area and the sector.

Job Search time management: Managing your time is important if you want your job search to be efficient. If you are going to be applying for a variety of jobs you will need to be organized and keep track of everything. An interviewer will be less than impressed if you turn up prepared for a different interview and boast about the other company!

Follow these Job hunting tips to find your dream job!

Job search tips

#1 Know what you are searching for and manage your time!

First things first, how do you expect to find your dream job if you don’t even know what your dream job is? Career advisors are available to help you figure out exactly what it is you are looking for and if you’re a student, you’re in luck because most universities offer this service for free! If you’re not a student, don’t worry because we’ve found this great link from Nationalcareersservice which has useful information on over 750 jobs!

It may be also beneficial to complete a free self analysis provided for you for by the careers group of the University of London. It is based on interactive modules designed to help you find your career pathway to your dream job.

#2 Own the WOW factor!

Stop waiting for a talent scout to pick you up on the street and turn you into a star! Sorry to pop the bubble but it ain’t gonna happen! You need to approach employers and wow them with your remarkable CV & Cover letter! Click here for our tips & tricks for your CV, cover letter and job interview. If you need more CV tips we’ve got you covered! Find out the best tips and tricks through our CV tips category.

#3 Clarify your job sector!

The internet is a wonderful invention perfect for this step. It might be handy to search out the different job sectors and roles to discover what type of position you would suit. Entry requirements, wage and responsibilities are all useful to know. Find a detailed list of the different job profiles.

#4 Vacancies through email

Fancy having your own personal secretary sending you the latest job vacancies? Well you’re in luck because most job boards now operate a mailing system that will notify you when new jobs are posted. It will save you a bunch of time, all you need to do is use the search criteria to narrow down which jobs you want to be notified of.

#5 Networking!

Today the world operates on a system of ‘it ain’t what you know it’s who you know’ also known as networking. Friends, family and acquaintances can all be a stepping stone for you to your dream job. How, you say? Firstly, write down a list of people you know that might be able to help. Next, inform them of the type of position you are looking for and ask them to think about people they know that are in this target field.

What are the benefits of networking?

Gaining firsthand knowledge from professionals

Improving your visibility

Demonstrating your skills and initiative

Accessing positions that aren’t advertised

A useful tool for networking is online social networking websites such as Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook, discussion boards and forums!

#6 Try Everything

Although the internet may seem like the be-all-and-end-all there are many different just as useful tools for job searching. Recruitment agencies exist so you don’t have to do any searching yourself! There are plenty of agencies in our job hunting section. Also job centres are everywhere today they will provide you with a list of current job vacancies and good advice to help you kick start your new career. Find all London’s job centres.

#7 Review time

It can be disheartening when you receive no replies after applying for many jobs. It may be time to revise your strategies. Use the following tips to help improve your chances of getting that dream job:

Learn specific skills required for the job

Gain experience by volunteering

Try improving your CV and Cover letter

Follow up any possible contact

If you attend an interview and don’t get the job, it may be beneficial to call or email the company and ask for some advice on improving your technique for the future.

Finding a job in London

Are you wondering how to survive an endless job hunt without losing it? You just need to follow our advice. There are loads of awesome job boards to suit every industry and every career level. From industry-specific job sites like those for start up jobs, to background-specific job sites like those for mothers or veterans, the choices are endless. But, fret not! Head over to our Broke in London job board to search for your ideal job. We have also listed and reviewed the best job sites for every industry in our Job Hunting category, to help you out with your job search. So, have a look at these 5 key steps to find a job or start your career in London as well as these 5 easy to get jobs in town. If you follow our advice and tips, you’ll boost your chances of finding a job.

To conclude job hunting can be tough, disheartening and downright frustrating. But as long as you have some tips and determination you will find your dream job eventually. So although, you may be pulling your hair out and ripping up CV’s now, soon you shall be working in, or working towards your goal of your dream job. Try not to fret too much and enjoy your period of unemployment before you join the working world. Happy Job Hunting!